The idea of taking care of what we have always been at the core of MoDOT's environmental philosophy. Here's how the department makes that idea a reality.

Bigger Space, Better Habitat – MoDOT has worked to expand the number of wetland banks under its ownership to five. Collectively these areas total about 281 acres, with the average size being 56 acres. These larger areas offer many more advantages, including increased flood storage and wildlife habitat diversity.

Granting Freedom to the Fish & Friends – MoDOT has completed low-water crossing retrofits in central Missouri by replacing low-water crossings with span bridges to allow upstream and downstream movement of aquatic organisms. The in-stream benefits gained from these replacements are used to offset other stream impacts resulting from road construction projects.

Made in the shade -- Under the Trees for Tomorrow program, MoDOT and its partner, the Missouri Department of Conservation, are providing a quarter of a million trees a year to youth groups throughout the state. The program helps replace trees taken down during highway construction and teaches youth the importance of forest conservation.

Warm-Mix Asphalt --
The Missouri Department of Transportation is embracing a new roadway technology called warm-mix asphalt that increases pavement life, is easier on the environment and saves money. Find out more.

It's on the web -- To conserve energy and paper, MoDOT has begun providing project plans via the Internet, a move that will save about $200,000 a year.

From Tires to Fuel -- MoDOT crews clean up more than 400 tons of tires that are left on state highways every year. These tires are ground up and used as fuel for power plants.